No petrol, diesel without pollution certificate; Odisha tightens pollution norms

In a major step to protect the environment, the State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha on Saturday directed that petrol and diesel should not be supplied to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

The STA has written to oil marketing companies operating retail outlets in Odisha, asking them to strictly enforce the rule and deny fuel to vehicles operating without a valid pollution certificate. The move aims to strengthen environmental protection measures in the transport sector.

As per sources, the decision is intended to curb rising vehicular pollution and ensure strict compliance with Motor Vehicles Act. 

"It has been observed with concern that despite clear statutory provisions, a significant number of motor vehicles are operating without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), thereby contributing to environmental degradation and public health risks. In this context, attention is invited to the provisions of Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which mandate that every motor vehicle shall comply with prescribed emission standards and shall possess a valid PUCC. Operation of a motor vehicle without a valid PUCC constitutes an offence under the said Act and Rules. In order to ensure effective enforcement of the above statutory provisions and to strengthen compliance at the ground level, it is hereby instructed that petrol/diesel shall not be dispensed to any motor vehicle which does not possess a valid PUCC," read the notification issued by the Office of the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman State Transport Authority, Odisha.

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"You are, therefore, requested to issue suitable instructions to all retail outlet franchisees/dealers operating under your control in the State of Odisha to strictly comply with the above instruction and to ensure that fuel is dispensed only after verifying the validity of PUCC of the vehicle. Adequate sensitisation of retail outlet staff is carried out regarding the legal requirement and procedure and non-compliance, if noticed, is viewed seriously and dealt with as per your internal control and disciplinary mechanisms," it further read.

"The above measure is intended to support the State's efforts towards pollution control, road safety, and compliance with environmental norms, and cooperation of all Oil Marketing Companies is solicited in the larger public interest," it added.